Grilled Artichokes With Spicy Lemon Aioli Recipe

Ever have one of those days where you just need to channel your inner chef and whip up something that feels fancy yet comforting? Get ready to elevate those chill vibes with my go-to recipe for grilled artichokes paired with a spicy lemon aioli, perfect for when you want to impress but also keep things casually gourmet.

Grilled artichokes are a savory delight, especially when served with a spicy lemon aioli. Fresh artichokes, zesty lemons, and smoky paprika transform into the most delicious dish rich in fiber and vitamins.

To be honest, the missing umami could easily be filled in with more salt, cheese, or a dusting of smoked paprika. But in true 2021 fashion, I’m trying to eat more plants.

And this dish is a plant-based way to get your umami and your vitamins.

Ingredients

• Artichokes: High in fiber, artichokes support digestion and promote heart health.
• Lemons: Rich in vitamin C, lemons add a refreshing citrus tang to dishes.
• Olive Oil: A source of healthy fats, it enhances flavor and aids nutrient absorption.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, providing a smooth texture to the aioli base.
• Hot Sauce: Adds a fiery kick, balancing the creaminess with a spicy heat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large fresh artichokes
• 2 lemons, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

How to Make this

1. Prepare the Artichokes:
Trim the artichokes, removing the small outer leaves. Slice each artichoke in half lengthwise and remove the choke.

2. Boil the Artichokes:
In a large saucepan, pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Add salt until the water tastes like the sea, then bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water, letting it fall in as you hold the lemon half over the pot. After adding the lemon juice, drop the lemon half (and any kind of artichoke your heart desires) into the pot, and follow up with another artichoke…

3. Preheat Your Grill:
At medium-high heat, grill your prepped artichokes until they have visible grill marks and are heated through, 5–7 minutes.

4. Make the Aioli:
In a bowl, mix together the following ingredients:

1. mayonnaise

2. minced garlic

3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

4. lemon zest

5. hot sauce

6. smoked paprika.

Combine well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.

5. Prepare for Grilling:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the drained artichoke halves with this mixture.

6. Grill the Artichokes:
Put the artichokes on the grill, cut side down. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, until nice char marks appear and the
artichokes are heated through. Be sure to turn them occasionally.
NOTE: You can also achieve these same results by using a grill pan. If grilling in a pan, turn down the
heat slightly and cover for 5 minutes after putting in the artichokes.

7. Squeeze Lemon:
When they are done grilling, move artichokes to a plate and douse them with a half of a lemon. This will give them an extra punch of flavor.

8. Serve:
Present the grilled artichokes on a platter. Bestow upon them the gift of chopped fresh parsley to make them look all the more delicious.

9. Aioli for Dipping:
Provide the spicy lemon aioli as a dipping sauce on the side.

10. Relish: These grilled artichokes with spicy lemon aioli are prepared to be relished as a delightful appetizer or side dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Large saucepan
4. Measuring spoons
5. Juicer or citrus squeezer (optional)
6. Tongs
7. Grill or grill pan
8. Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
9. Spoon or whisk
10. Basting brush
11. Serving platter

FAQ

• Q: How do I prepare the artichokes for grilling?A: Trim the top third from each artichoke; remove the small outer leaves; and snip the sharp tips of the remaining leaves with kitchen scissors. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise. Remove the choke with a spoon.
• Q: Can I use canned artichokes instead of fresh?Grilling fresh artichokes is ideal because they withstand the heat and stay intact, but you can use canned artichokes. Just remember, they won’t have the same texture.
• Q: What’s the best way to ensure the artichokes are cooked evenly?A: Artichokes should be boiled or steamed for about 15-20 minutes before grilling. This will ensure that they are tender inside. It will also allow the grill to impart a smoky flavor to the artichoke.
• Q: Can I make the spicy lemon aioli ahead of time?Yes, you can make the aioli two days ahead. It keeps, tightly covered, in the refrigerator.
• Q: Can I use a different oil for grilling the artichokes?A: Yes, you can use any high smoke point oil instead of olive oil. That means avocado oil works. So does safflower oil, sesame oil, or sunflower oil. Even canola oil is fine.
• Q: What other dishes pair well with grilled artichokes?A: Wonderful pairings for grilled artichokes include grilled meats, seafood, or a fresh salad—which together with the artichokes create a light and balanced meal.

Grilled Artichokes With Spicy Lemon Aioli Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use artichokes that come in cans or jars as a substitute when fresh artichokes can’t be found. Solutions for when fresh artichokes are unavailable:
1. Canned artichokes
2. Jarred artichokes
For the hot sauce, you can use either sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes as a substitution.
In the absence of smoked paprika, one can substitute regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an equally pleasant and different flavor.
Avocado oil or grapeseed oil can serve as effective substitutes for olive oil.
Lime zest or orange zest can replace lemon zest for a different kind of citrus twist.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Artichokes Look for artichokes that are heavy for their size with tightly packed leaves. Fresh artichokes should have a vibrant green color and a slightly firm feel.

2. Prevent Browning As you trim the artichokes, squeeze some lemon juice over the cut edges to prevent them from browning. This keeps them visually appealing and adds a hint of citrus flavor.

3. Optimize Aioli Flavor Prepare the aioli a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste and offer a more robust dipping experience.

4. Grill with Precision For perfect grill marks and even cooking, press down on the artichokes gently but firmly when they first hit the grill. This ensures maximum contact with the grill surface.

5. Garlic Infusion Consider adding a whole clove of garlic into the boiling water with the artichokes to infuse an extra layer of flavor right from the start. This aromatic step can subtly enhance the artichokes without overpowering them.